CO vs. C6 DWR: What's the Difference and Why It Matters

Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finishes are crucial for keeping fabrics dry and functioning as intended. They are widely used in outerwear, bags, tents, footwear, and more. Two of the most common types used today are C6 and C0 DWR. So, what are they, what’s the difference, and which is better when it comes to performance or sustainability?

Let’s break it down.

What Is DWR?

Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coatings are applied to fabrics to make them resistant to water penetration. These coatings cause water to bead up and roll off the surface, rather than soaking into the fibers. DWR is essential for keeping fabrics lightweight, dry, and durable in tough conditions.

What’s the Difference Between C6 and C0 DWR?

C6 DWR (Fluorinated)
C6 uses a six-carbon fluorochemical chain to repel water, oil, and stains. It replaced the older C8 chemistry due to environmental concerns.

• Pros: Strong water repellency, moderate oil/stain resistance
• Cons: Contains PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which are persistent in the environment and increasingly regulated
  
  

C0 DWR (Non-Fluorinated, PFAS-free)
C0 is a PFAS-free alternative that uses hydrocarbon-based chemistry.

• Pros: Environmentally safer, biodegradable, no fluorinated compounds
• Cons: Lower oil/stain resistance, may wear off faster

Which Is Better: Performance vs Sustainability?

If performance is the goal, C6 still leads the way. But if sustainability and environmental impact are priorities, C0 is the better option.

An Alternative: Empel™ Technology

What if you didn’t have to choose between performance and sustainability? Empel™ is a patented PFAs-free and solvent-free DWR coating that outperforms both C6 and C0 in key areas.

Why Empel™ Stands Out:

• Water repellency: Empel treated fabrics absorb only ⅓ the water compared to leading C0 and C6 finishes and allow just 2mL of water to pass through in rain tests (vs. 325mL for traditional DWRs).
• PFAS-free and non-toxic: Empel uses no fluorinated chemicals and is Oeko-Tex® certified for global safety compliance.
• Water-free application process: Empel’s dry curing method eliminates water pollution and reduces energy use during production.
• Long-lasting durability: Empel forms a molecular bond with each fiber - the finish will not wash off, rub off, or wear off.
• Soft hand and breathability

Empel™ bonds directly to the fabric fibers using a waterless application, creating a more durable and effective barrier - without the environmental drawbacks of traditionally used finishes.

We know how important it is for fabrics to perform reliably while also meeting ever changing sustainability standards - especially when it comes to DWR finished fabrics. Whether you're making outdoor apparel, tactical gear, or products for sustainability-focused markets, understanding the differences between C0 DWR, C6 DWR, and new technologies like Empel™ can help you choose the right finished fabric for your next project.

We’re currently offering C6 DWR, C0 DWR, and Empel™ coatings on our SAM Stretch Woven fabrics, and C0 or C6 on select other stock fabrics. As the industry evolves, we’ll stay on top of the trends to be sure we have the fabrics our customers need.

Want to talk more about DWR finishes or see how Empel™ performs in real life? We’re happy to answer questions, help you compare options, or send samples your way. Just reach out to our team!